Malaysia’s Deportation of 114 Myanmar Nationals
Last month, Malaysian authorities deported 114 Myanmar nationals, according to a report by a rights group, which also noted that these deportations violated international law. The incident has raised concerns among human rights advocates, who fear that the deportees may face persecution or even torture upon returning to Myanmar.
Background of the Deportation
The deportees, who had been arrested and detained by Malaysian immigration authorities for entering the country illegally, were sent back to Myanmar on April 28. The deportation was conducted despite a court order to suspend the proceedings. The rights group, Fortify Rights, released a report this week that said the deportees were denied access to legal counsel and had their rights to due process violated. The group also noted that the deportees had not been informed of their rights to seek asylum in Malaysia.
International Law Violations
According to international law, states are prohibited from deporting individuals who may face persecution or torture in their home countries. The Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT) states that no state shall expel, return or extradite a person to another state where there are substantial grounds for believing that he or she would be in danger of being subjected to torture.
Malaysian Authorities’ Response
The Malaysian government has yet to comment on the deportations. However, the country’s immigration director-general, Khairul Dzaimee Daud, has previously said that the government has the right to deport foreign nationals who have entered the country illegally. He also noted that the government will not tolerate any form of illegal immigration.
Human Rights Advocates’ Concerns
Human rights advocates have expressed concern for the safety of the deportees, noting that they may be at risk of persecution, torture or other forms of ill-treatment upon their return to Myanmar. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has also expressed concern for the safety of the deportees, noting that the incident violates international law. The UNHCR has urged the Malaysian government to ensure that the deportees are not subjected to any form of discrimination or ill-treatment.
Implications
The incident has raised questions about Malaysia’s commitment to international law, as well as its willingness to protect the rights of foreign nationals. It has also underscored the need for countries to adhere to international standards when dealing with deportations. Human rights advocates have urged the Malaysian government to take steps to ensure that similar incidents are not repeated in the future. They have also called on the government to guarantee the safety of the deportees and to ensure that they are not subjected to any form of discrimination upon their return to Myanmar.
Conclusion
The deportation of 114 Myanmar nationals from Malaysia last month has raised serious concerns among human rights advocates. The incident has highlighted the need for countries to adhere to international standards when dealing with deportations, and for governments to ensure that foreign nationals are not subjected to any form of discrimination or ill-treatment.
